title: Effects and experiences of warm versus cold skin disinfection.
abstract: The intention of preoperative skin antisepsis is to reduce the risk of postoperative surgical wound infections through the prevention of contamination of the wound site from the patient's skin flora, and to provide a sterile work area. This pilot study aimed to compare warm versus cold skin disinfection with a chlorhexidine solution on bacterial growth, skin temperatures and the experiences of the disinfection. Ten healthy volunteers without any association to Sweden's healthcare services were included in an experimental study with crossover design. The results showed that warm (38°C) disinfection seems to be comparable with cold (20°C) disinfection in reducing bacterial growth. Experiences differ, but warm disinfection is generally considered more pleasant than cold as a result of heat-loss to the skin. However, further research with larger sample sizes and on patients undergoing surgery is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Anesthesiology, Örebro University Hospital and schoolof Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden.
authors.forename: Camilla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wistrand
authors.forename: Ulrica
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Nilsson
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000985:Antisepsis / Q000379:methods; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003080:Cold Temperature; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012881:Skin Temperature; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D013548:Sweden
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine